Durban from Within : An Immersive City Tour

Durban , South Africa

Durban from Within : An Immersive City Tour

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About this experience

Start the day strolling through Africa’s oldest surviving Botanical Gardens with our passionate horticulturalist tapping into its history and unique collection. Unlock the trendy suburb of Glenwood with artist Mooki Lion and track down the public portfolios of local street artists. Time to meet Mama Nkosi otherwise known as the dancing curator of one of the largest collections of traditional art as she reveals indigenous beliefs and tribal culture.

Tuck into lunch (own cost) and sample the popular flavours of Durban — ever tried a bunny chow? With your energy levels restored, enter into the beating heart of the city — Victoria Street Market — and meet local merchants as they peddle their wares.

Drive through the city centre as your guide brings it to life with historical anecdotes and an encyclopaedia of knowledge. Moses Mabhida Stadium isn’t just great to look at, it’s also terrific to jump off (own cost). Finish the day at Station Drive Precinct for an artisan gelato tasting.

Available options

Durban from Within : An Immersive City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

All Fees and Taxes

Artisan Gelato Tasting

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The first stop on this tour is the Durban Botanical Gardens. Here we will meet a passionate local horticulturalist who will help you unlock this living museum after all these gardens have museum status. Explore the gardens and which is home to the loneliest man on the planet (don't stress, it's a plant).

Time to meet Mooki Lion, our local street artist. We will accompany Mooki on a part walking/part driving graffiti and street art tour. Get to know more about the art scene in Durban and view the public portfolios of Mooki and his crew.

Stop 3

Phansi Museum is home to one of the largest collections of indigenous art and craft in South Africa. Meet Phumzile, the dancing curator of the museum, as you explore South Africa's cultural diversity through art and design.

If you're looking for a keepsake from South Africa, there's no better place. Visit the KwaZulu Natal Society of the Arts and browse their gift shop. Everything sold at KZNSA is sourced from sustainable programmes throughout the province or from one of the many NGOs that partners with the gallery.

If you've not heard about Durban's famous "Bunny Chow" by now, you're in for a happy surprise. Lunch is at CaneCutters Restaurant home to Durban's best "Bunny Chow" — well according to us and a few awards that is. Try the traditional "1/4 mutton bunny" or one of the various options from vegetarian to local delicacies. Lunch is at your own expense.

There are 2 ways of visit the markets, the touristy way and the immersive way. We prefer the latter after all, the Victoria Street Market is only 1 of the many markets at Warwick Junction. Meet our colleagues from Asiye eTafuleni (a local NGO) that works intimately with the traders of the Markets. Explore the various sides to the markets from the Lime Ladies to Muthi Bridge and beyond.

Travel through the inner city as your guide unlocks the history and heritage with anecdotes and city secrets. Take in the colonial architecture and art deco buildings. Check out Moses Mabhida Stadium and if you are an adrenaline junkie, perhaps sign up for the BigRush (Jump off the Tallest Swing on the planet).

All good things come to an end but not before visiting one of the best artisan gelato shop this side of the Equator. Taste the many wonderful and creative flavours from Turkish Delight to Black Sesame with Honeycomb. Select your 2 favourites flavours and get it in a handmade cone or cup — this treat is on us.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Durban

Durban is a vibrant coastal city in South Africa known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm tropical climate. It's a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique blend of African, Indian, and colonial influences.

Top Attractions

Golden Mile

A stretch of beautiful beaches along the Durban coastline, offering a variety of water sports, beach activities, and a vibrant promenade.

Beach Half day to full day Free to enter, activities vary in cost

uShaka Marine World

A popular theme park and marine park featuring a variety of attractions, including a water park, aquarium, and dolphin shows.

Entertainment Full day Moderate to expensive

Durban Botanical Gardens

A beautiful botanical garden featuring a variety of plant species, walking trails, and a heritage site.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to enter, small fee for special exhibits

Victoria Street Market

A bustling market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and handmade crafts.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to moderate

Durban Museum

A museum showcasing the natural and cultural history of Durban and the surrounding region.

Museum 1-2 hours Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Biltong

Dried, cured meat, similar to jerky, made from various types of meat such as beef, game, or ostrich.

Snack Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Durban Curry

A spicy curry dish with roots in Indian cuisine, often made with chicken, lamb, or seafood, and flavored with local spices.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking Mountain biking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Cultural tours Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the summer season with warm temperatures, frequent rain showers, and bustling beaches. It's the peak tourist season with vibrant festivals and events.

23°C to 30°C 73°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Zulu, English
Widely spoken: Zulu, English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Durban is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violent crime can occur, particularly in certain areas and at night. Exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night

Getting there

By air

King Shaka International Airport • 35 km from city center

By train

Durban Station

By bus

Durban Bus Terminal, Grey Street Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

DART buses are affordable and convenient for getting around. They operate on dedicated bus lanes, making them faster than regular buses.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Berea Morningside Umgeni Road

Day trips

Valley of a Thousand Hills

30 km from Durban • Half day to full day

A scenic region known for its rolling hills, traditional Zulu villages, and cultural experiences. It offers a glimpse into rural Zulu life and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

St. Lucia

200 km from Durban • Full day or overnight

A coastal town in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and water activities. It's a popular destination for boat cruises, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

Drakensberg Mountains

250 km from Durban • Full day or overnight

A stunning mountain range known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a break from the city.

Festivals

Durban July • July Durban International Film Festival • October Sugar Rush Festival • December to January

Pro tips

Visit the beach early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures
Try local street food like bunny chow and samosas for an authentic Durban culinary experience
Explore the city's cultural heritage by visiting the Victoria Street Market and the Durban Botanical Gardens
Take a day trip to the Valley of a Thousand Hills for a scenic and cultural experience
Attend a local event or festival, such as the Durban July or the Durban International Film Festival, for a unique and memorable experience